With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.

AIM:This study aimed to investigate whether Xiang-Sha-Liujunzi decoction(XSLJZD)prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcer(GU)in rats by inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation-mediated pyroptosis.METHODS:A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control group,model group,positive control(0.33 mg/kg rabeprazole)group,low-dose(3.40 g/kg)XSLJZD group and high-dose(6.80 g/kg)XSLJZD group,with 12 rats per group.Prior to the induction of GU,all rats received their respective treatments via intragastric gavage for 3 d.The GU model was established in all groups except the normal control group using the anhydrous ethanol method.The ulcer index and ulcer inhibition rate were measured.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes of gastric tissues,and periodic acid-Schiff staining was used to evaluate the mucus content.Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to inves-tigate ultrastructural changes of gastric tissues.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure the levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),IL-10,IL-1β,IL-18,prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and nitric oxide(NO).Additionally,visible spectrophotometric assay was used to determine the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD).The protein levels of NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,gasdermin D(GSDMD),phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB(p-NF-κB)and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor β(p-IκBβ)were assessed using immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with model group,XSLJZD significantly alleviated gastric tissue injury,reduced the ulcer index,and enhanced the ulcer inhibition rate in GU rats.Treatment with XSLJZD markedly increased the levels of SOD,GSH,IL-4,IL-10,PGE2 and NO in gas-tric tissue,but significantly decreased the levels of MDA,IL-1β and IL-18.At the molecular level,XSLJZD significantly down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,GSDMD,p-NF-κB and p-IκBβ in gastric tissues.CON-CLUSION:Treatment with XSLJZD demonstrates a significant preventive effect against ethanol-induced GU in rats.Its mechanisms may involve the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation,reduction of the inflammatory response,pre-vention of pyroptosis in gastric mucosal epithelial cells,and enhancement of antioxidant levels.

AIM:This study aimed to investigate whether Xiang-Sha-Liujunzi decoction(XSLJZD)prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcer(GU)in rats by inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation-mediated pyroptosis.METHODS:A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control group,model group,positive control(0.33 mg/kg rabeprazole)group,low-dose(3.40 g/kg)XSLJZD group and high-dose(6.80 g/kg)XSLJZD group,with 12 rats per group.Prior to the induction of GU,all rats received their respective treatments via intragastric gavage for 3 d.The GU model was established in all groups except the normal control group using the anhydrous ethanol method.The ulcer index and ulcer inhibition rate were measured.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes of gastric tissues,and periodic acid-Schiff staining was used to evaluate the mucus content.Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to inves-tigate ultrastructural changes of gastric tissues.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure the levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),IL-10,IL-1β,IL-18,prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and nitric oxide(NO).Additionally,visible spectrophotometric assay was used to determine the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD).The protein levels of NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,gasdermin D(GSDMD),phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB(p-NF-κB)and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor β(p-IκBβ)were assessed using immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with model group,XSLJZD significantly alleviated gastric tissue injury,reduced the ulcer index,and enhanced the ulcer inhibition rate in GU rats.Treatment with XSLJZD markedly increased the levels of SOD,GSH,IL-4,IL-10,PGE2 and NO in gas-tric tissue,but significantly decreased the levels of MDA,IL-1β and IL-18.At the molecular level,XSLJZD significantly down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,GSDMD,p-NF-κB and p-IκBβ in gastric tissues.CON-CLUSION:Treatment with XSLJZD demonstrates a significant preventive effect against ethanol-induced GU in rats.Its mechanisms may involve the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation,reduction of the inflammatory response,pre-vention of pyroptosis in gastric mucosal epithelial cells,and enhancement of antioxidant levels.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)is a common gastrointestinal dysfunction disease,but currently,single Western medicine treatments have significant side effects and are prone to recurrence.Probiotics and traditional Chinese medicine have certain therapeutic effects on IBS-D,but the exact treatment mechanism is still unclear,and there is limited research on the combination of the two.Objective To investigate the effects of Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium on gut microbiota,mucosal barrier function,and neurotransmitter levels in patients with IBS-D and comorbid anxiety and depression,and to analyze its therapeutic mechanisms.Methods A total of 150 patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)and anxiety and depression who were treated in the gastroenterology department of our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022,were selected as the study subjects.A randomized controlled trial was designed with three treatment groups:50 patients in the observation group received Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium for 4 weeks;50 patients in the positive control group received Rifaximin combined with Bifidobacterium for 4 weeks;and 50 patients in the blank control group received Bifidobacterium alone for 4 weeks(to exclude interference from the bacterial species in the Bifidobacterium capsules in intestinal flora detection).The changes in IBS-D symptom severity,stool consistency,anxiety and depression scores(HAM-A/HAM-D),intestinal flora(lactobacilli,Bifidobacterium,bacteroides,enterobacteria),intestinal barrier markers(serum D-lactic acid,DAO),inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α),intestinal tight junction proteins(Occludin,ZO-1),neurotransmitters(5-HT),and recurrence rates were compared among the three groups before and after treatment.Results Symptom improvement:the improvement in IBS-SSS scores,stool classification,and HAM-A/HAM-D scores in the observation and positive control groups was significantly better than that in the blank control group(all P<0.001),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Flora regulation:after treatment,the observation and positive control groups showed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria(lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium)and a significant decrease in pathogenic bacteria(bacteroides and enterobacteria)compared to the blank control group(all P<0.001).The improvement in flora persisted up to 6 months after treatment(P<0.001).Barrier and inflammation:the reduction in serum D-lactic acid,DAO,and IL-6/IL-8/TNF-α levels was significantly greater in the observation and positive control groups than in the blank control group(all P<0.001).The expression of intestinal barrier proteins(Occludin and ZO-1)was significantly upregulated(P<0.001).Neurotransmitters:the increase in serum 5-HT levels were significantly higher in the two groups than in the blank control group(P<0.001).Recurrence rate:the 3-month recurrence rates in the observation group(8.0%)and positive control group(10.0%)were significantly lower than that in the blank control group(30.0%).The 6-month recurrence rates(14.0%vs.16.0%vs.44.0%)also showed significant differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with IBS-D and comorbid anxiety and depression.The mechanism may be related to regulating intestinal flora balance,repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,suppressing inflammatory responses,and increasing 5-HT levels.Additionally,the low recurrence rate suggests its clinical application value.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)is a common gastrointestinal dysfunction disease,but currently,single Western medicine treatments have significant side effects and are prone to recurrence.Probiotics and traditional Chinese medicine have certain therapeutic effects on IBS-D,but the exact treatment mechanism is still unclear,and there is limited research on the combination of the two.Objective To investigate the effects of Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium on gut microbiota,mucosal barrier function,and neurotransmitter levels in patients with IBS-D and comorbid anxiety and depression,and to analyze its therapeutic mechanisms.Methods A total of 150 patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)and anxiety and depression who were treated in the gastroenterology department of our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022,were selected as the study subjects.A randomized controlled trial was designed with three treatment groups:50 patients in the observation group received Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium for 4 weeks;50 patients in the positive control group received Rifaximin combined with Bifidobacterium for 4 weeks;and 50 patients in the blank control group received Bifidobacterium alone for 4 weeks(to exclude interference from the bacterial species in the Bifidobacterium capsules in intestinal flora detection).The changes in IBS-D symptom severity,stool consistency,anxiety and depression scores(HAM-A/HAM-D),intestinal flora(lactobacilli,Bifidobacterium,bacteroides,enterobacteria),intestinal barrier markers(serum D-lactic acid,DAO),inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α),intestinal tight junction proteins(Occludin,ZO-1),neurotransmitters(5-HT),and recurrence rates were compared among the three groups before and after treatment.Results Symptom improvement:the improvement in IBS-SSS scores,stool classification,and HAM-A/HAM-D scores in the observation and positive control groups was significantly better than that in the blank control group(all P<0.001),but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Flora regulation:after treatment,the observation and positive control groups showed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria(lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium)and a significant decrease in pathogenic bacteria(bacteroides and enterobacteria)compared to the blank control group(all P<0.001).The improvement in flora persisted up to 6 months after treatment(P<0.001).Barrier and inflammation:the reduction in serum D-lactic acid,DAO,and IL-6/IL-8/TNF-α levels was significantly greater in the observation and positive control groups than in the blank control group(all P<0.001).The expression of intestinal barrier proteins(Occludin and ZO-1)was significantly upregulated(P<0.001).Neurotransmitters:the increase in serum 5-HT levels were significantly higher in the two groups than in the blank control group(P<0.001).Recurrence rate:the 3-month recurrence rates in the observation group(8.0%)and positive control group(10.0%)were significantly lower than that in the blank control group(30.0%).The 6-month recurrence rates(14.0%vs.16.0%vs.44.0%)also showed significant differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion Chongkang Capsules combined with Bifidobacterium can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with IBS-D and comorbid anxiety and depression.The mechanism may be related to regulating intestinal flora balance,repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,suppressing inflammatory responses,and increasing 5-HT levels.Additionally,the low recurrence rate suggests its clinical application value.

Diabetic neuropathy(DN)is a prevalent chronic complication of diabetes,characterized by a com-plex pathogenesis involving various cell types and molecular pathways.Research indicates that microglia,serving as the innate immune cells of the central nervous system,are pivotal in the development of DN.In recent years,with the in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of DN,targeting microglia polarization has become a new research hotspot.This article provides an overview of current research on the regulatory mechanisms of microglia polarization,the impact of mi-croglia polarization on DN,and treatment strategies that target microglia polarization to improve DN.The objective is to elucidate the pivotal role of microglia in the pathogenesis of DN,and assess the efficacy and constraints of existing and emerging treatment methods targeting microglia,in order to offer a fresh perspective for future research and clinical treat-ment of DN.

Objective:To explore the pattern of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in locally advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy (NICT).Methods:This retrospective study included pathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma (cT3-4aN+) patients who underwent radical resection after ≥2 cycles of PD-1 inhibitor-based chemotherapy with complete postoperative pathology. Exclusions: distant/other metastases, non-R0 resection, Her-2+ with targeted therapy, microsatellite instability, or esophagogastric junction cancer invading >1 cm into lower esophagus. From January 2020 to December 2024, a total of 343 consecutive gastric cancer patients who received NICT treatment were admitted to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. According to the above criteria, 324 cases were included in the lymph node metastasis analysis, and 302 cases were included in the survival analysis. The median age of all patients was 58 years, with 245 males (75.6%) and a median body mass index (BMI) of 22.9 kg/m2. There were 170 cases (52.5%) at T3 stage and 154 cases (47.5%) at T4a stage; the median number of cycles of neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy was 3 cycles. The primary outcome measure was the positive lymph node metastasis rate (number of metastatic cases in the group / total number of dissected cases in the group×100%). A positive lymph node metastasis rate >10% was defined as high metastasis, and <5% as low metastasis. The secondary outcome measures were high-risk factors for lymph node metastasis and influencing factors related to patient prognosis. Lymph node grouping was performed according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines. The positive lymph node metastasis rate was statistically analyzed by stratification based on surgical methods (total gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy, distal gastrectomy). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for lymph node metastasis were performed with logistic regression analysis, and survival analysis were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model.Results:The postoperative pathological complete response rate (pCR) of all patients was 21.0% (68/324), and the overall positive lymph node metastasis rate was 48.8% (158/324). A total of 150 patients underwent total gastrectomy, 42 underwent proximal gastrectomy, and 132 underwent distal gastrectomy.In the total gastrectomy group: the high metastasis subgroups were No.1 (19.3%, 29 cases), No.2 (14.7%, 22 cases), No.3 (28.0%, 42 cases), No.7 (12.7%, 19 cases), No.8a (16.0%, 24 cases), and No.9 (17.3%, 26 cases); the low metastasis subgroups were No.5 (4.7%, 7 cases), No.10 (3.3%, 5 cases), No.11d (1.3%, 2 cases), and No.12a (4.0%, 6 cases).In the proximal gastrectomy group: the high metastasis subgroups were No.3 (14.3%, 6 cases), No.7 (23.8%, 10 cases), and No.11p (11.9%, 5 cases); the low metastasis subgroups were No.4d (2.4%, 1 case) and No.10 (2.4%, 1 case).In the distal gastrectomy group: the high metastasis subgroups were No.3 (25.8%, 34 cases), No.6 (26.5%, 35 cases), No.7 (11.4%, 15 cases), and No.11p (11.4%, 15 cases); the low metastasis subgroups were No.4sb (3.8%, 5 cases) and No.12a (4.5%, 6 cases).Results of multivariate analysis showed that TRG grade (HR: 5.938, 95%CI: 3.028-11.646, P<0.001) was an independent factor affecting lymph node metastasis in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 26.0 (6.0-54.3) months, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) of all patients was 78.1%. Results of multivariate Cox analysis showed that ypT (HR=1.744, 95%CI: 1.300-2.338, P<0.001), ypN (HR=1.998, 95%CI: 1.503-2.655, P<0.001), and postoperative complications (HR=1.913, 95%CI: 1.111-3.294, P=0.019) were independent factors affecting the overall survival of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Conclusion:NICT significantly changes the pattern of lymph node metastasis in LAGC. ypT and ypN stages are core indicators for survival prognosis. The necessity of dissection for lymph node groups with a metastasis rate <5% needs to be carefully evaluated.

Objective To compare the clinical effect of tympanoplasty with and without eustachian tube bal-loon dilatation(ETBD)in the treatment of adhesive otitis media(AOM).Methods A total of 43 patients with AOM and eustachian tube dysfunction(ETD)were retrospectively analyzed,and were divided into the experimental group(n=22)who underwent tympanoplasty combined with ETBD and the control group(n=21)who underwent tympanoplasty alone.The changes of average air conduction hearing thresholds,pure-tone air-bone gap(ABG)and eustachian tube score(ETS)were compared between the two groups before and after surgery at 6 months and 2 years.Results There were no significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in air conduction hearing thresholds,ABG and ETS before operation(P＞0.05).Comparison within both the two groups after operation:air conduction hearing thresholds and ABG in both groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and ETS in the experimental group was significantly higher than that before surgery(P＜0.05).Comparison be-tween two groups after operation:there were no statistically significant differences in the air conduction hearing thresholds and ABG at 6 months after surgery(P＞0.05),while there was statistically significant difference in ETS(P＜0.05).At 2 years,there were statistically significant differences in the air conduction hearing thresholds,ABG and ETS between the two groups(P＜0.05)with the experimental group showing better outcomes.Conclusion Tympanoplasty can significantly improve the postoperative hearing of AOM.Tympanoplasty combined with ETBD not only effectively improves the eustachian tube function,but also shows better long-term follow-up hearing im-provement,making it an effective treatment for AOM patients.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of six kinds of commonly used traditional Chi-nese medicine combined with mesalazine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)based on frequency statis-tical network meta-analysis.Methods Randomized controlled trials(RCT)of oral Chinese medicine for the treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the database to June 2024 of PubMed,CNKI,Wan-fang,VIP,Sinomed and other databases.The quality of the included literatures was evaluated by Cochrane bias risk assessment tool,and the data were statistically analyzed by Stata MP17.0 software.Results A total of 24 RCTs involving 1 939 patients were included,involving 6 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese pa-tent medicine,including 4 macro and micro outcome indicators.In terms of improving the total clinical effec-tive rate,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin decoction,Huangqin decoction granule,Baitouweng decoction,Kangfuxin liquid,Shenlingbaizhu powder+mesalazine were all superior to using mesalazine alone,and Kang-fuxin liquid+mesalazine had the best effect(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of interleukin(IL)-6 expression in colonic mucosa,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin Decoction,Huangqin Decoction granules,Pul-satilla decoction,Kangfuxin Liquid+mesalazine were better than using mesalazine alone,and Pulsatilla De-coction+mesalazine had the best effect on reducing IL-6(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of colonic mucosal tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α expression,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin decoction,Huangqin decoction granule,Baitouweng decoction,Shenlingbaizhu decoction+mesalazine was better than using me-salazine alone,and Gancao Xiexin decoction+mesalazine had the best effect(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of IL-10 expression in colonic mucosa,Pulsatilla decoction+mesalazine was better than mesalazine alone(P<0.05).Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine combined with mesalazine could alleviate the clin-ical symptoms of UC patients,improve inflammatory factor indicators,eliminate inflammation,and show a better treatment effect for UC than mesalazine used alone.

Objective To compare the clinical effect of tympanoplasty with and without eustachian tube bal-loon dilatation(ETBD)in the treatment of adhesive otitis media(AOM).Methods A total of 43 patients with AOM and eustachian tube dysfunction(ETD)were retrospectively analyzed,and were divided into the experimental group(n=22)who underwent tympanoplasty combined with ETBD and the control group(n=21)who underwent tympanoplasty alone.The changes of average air conduction hearing thresholds,pure-tone air-bone gap(ABG)and eustachian tube score(ETS)were compared between the two groups before and after surgery at 6 months and 2 years.Results There were no significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in air conduction hearing thresholds,ABG and ETS before operation(P＞0.05).Comparison within both the two groups after operation:air conduction hearing thresholds and ABG in both groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and ETS in the experimental group was significantly higher than that before surgery(P＜0.05).Comparison be-tween two groups after operation:there were no statistically significant differences in the air conduction hearing thresholds and ABG at 6 months after surgery(P＞0.05),while there was statistically significant difference in ETS(P＜0.05).At 2 years,there were statistically significant differences in the air conduction hearing thresholds,ABG and ETS between the two groups(P＜0.05)with the experimental group showing better outcomes.Conclusion Tympanoplasty can significantly improve the postoperative hearing of AOM.Tympanoplasty combined with ETBD not only effectively improves the eustachian tube function,but also shows better long-term follow-up hearing im-provement,making it an effective treatment for AOM patients.